Interior Health admits mistake

Interior Health admits a mistake was made last summer leading up to the death of a Kelowna man at Kelowna General Hospital.

However, what they did wrong may never be known.

Dr. Jan McIntosh, chief of staff at KGH, says the hospital has apologized to the family of Josef Wolf, 80.

Wolf died from a massive stroke 12 days after going to the emergency room with some symptoms.

But Wolf’s family says that apology is not enough.

Widow Josie Wolf came to CHBC News in December when she did not get a timely response after asking for a review of her husband’s death.

After acquiring his medical file, Wolf believes her husband was misdiagnosed and given the wrong medication during his stay at the hospital.

Following an initial review of Wolf’s hospital care, Dr. McIntosh says the hospital is changing procedures.

They will now track medications administered in each level of care through a process called Medical Reconciliation, better educate staff on recognizing atypical stroke symptoms and improve communication not only between all staff but also with family members and patients.

The hospital is also conducting an internal educational review of Wolf’s care until his death, but the results won’t be shared with his family. They will be used as a learning tool, according to Dr. McIntosh.

Wolf’s daughter Linda Woodmore says they are demanding information not because of lawsuits or money but to find the answers about what happened to her dad so the family can move on.

Wolf’s family believes patient care charts should be reviewed regularly by a medical supervisor at the hospital to prevent oversight and mistakes.

Dr. McIntosh says that is not in their plans, adding it is the responsibility of all the individual caregivers that are looking after that particular patient to monitor that entire medical record.

Wolf’s family believes hospital staff needs to be held accountable for their decisions to prevent further mistakes.